Watertight check valve

ABSTRACT

A check valve for a fluid distribution system can include a valve body defining a valve bore defining a cylindrical shape, the valve body comprising an annular body and a fixed cross member secured to the valve body and extending across the valve bore, a position block secured to the cross member of the valve body, extending from the cross member, and defining a pivot bore; a pivot pin positioned within the valve body and extending through the pivot bore of the position block, the pivot pin positioned entirely within the cylindrical shape of the valve bore; and a valve member positioned within the valve body and configured to rotate about the pivot pin to a closed position when a pipe system termination fitting attached to the valve body is dislocated fr om the valve body or when the fluid moves in a negative flow direction of the check valve.

TECHNICAL FIELD Field of Use

This disclosure relates to check valves in a fluid distribution system.More specifically, this disclosure relates to check valves comprising awatertight structure from end-to-end.

Related Art

Check valves can be useful in preventing backflow in a fluiddistribution system and thereby allowing fluid flow in only onedirection. Typical check valves, however, can be bulky and thereforedifficult and expensive to install. In addition, a typical check valvecan comprise pivot pins extending through a wall of a valve body of thecheck valve. Extending the pivot pins through the wall of the valve bodycan create a potential leak path (or even multiple leak paths) betweenan interior cavity and an exterior of the valve. Even if a seal for sucha leak path prevents leakage initially, failure of the seal can leak toleakage of the fluid of the fluid distribution system therefrom.

More specifically, property damage and water loss can occur when a pipetermination fitting such as a hydrant—in particular a wet barrel firehydrant—is hit by a moving vehicle or otherwise broken free from itsusual position in a water distribution system. While an in-line checkvalve configured for use with a hydrant could mitigate such propertydamage and water loss, such valves can be, as noted above, large andcumbersome, expensive, and ineffective in one way or another. Because ofthe number of hydrants in a typical water distribution system, an overlycomplex break check valve can be an impractical system-wide solution,especially if there is a risk of leaks, as previously discussed.Moreover, overly rapid closure of such a valve can cause not only waterhammer but also a pressure spike resulting in an excessive load on thecomponents of the system sufficient in some cases to cause a failure ofone or more of those components.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

In one aspect, disclosed is a check valve for a fluid distributionsystem, the check valve comprising a valve body defining a valve innercavity, the valve inner cavity defining a valve bore extending from afirst axial end to a second axial end, the valve bore defining acylindrical shape, the cylindrical shape defining a central axis of thevalve body, the central axis extending from the first axial end to thesecond axial end, the valve body comprising an annular body and a fixedcross member secured to and extending in a radial direction relative tothe central axis of the valve body across the valve bore from theannular body on one side of the valve body to the annular body on anopposite side of the valve body, the valve bore at the cross memberdivided into more than one portion by the cross member; a position blocksecured to the cross member of the valve body, extending from the crossmember, and defining a pivot bore; a pivot pin positioned within thevalve body and extending through the pivot bore of the position block,the pivot pin positioned entirely within the cylindrical shape of thevalve bore; and a valve member positioned within the valve body andconfigured to rotate about the pivot pin to a closed position when apipe system termination fitting attached to the valve body is dislocatedfrom the valve body or when the fluid moves in a negative flow directionof the check valve.

In a further aspect, disclosed is a check valve comprising a valve bodydefining a mating surface and a valve inner cavity, the mating surfacefacing in an axial direction of the valve body and configured to receivea pipe system termination fitting, the valve inner cavity defining avalve bore extending from a first axial end to a second axial end, thevalve bore defining a cylindrical shape, the cylindrical shape defininga central axis of the valve body, the central axis extending from thefirst axial end to the second axial end; a position block secured to thevalve body and defining a pivot bore; a pivot pin positioned within thevalve body and extending through the pivot bore of the position block,the pivot pin positioned entirely within the cylindrical shape of thevalve bore; a valve member positioned within the valve body andconfigured to rotate about the pivot pin between an open position and aclosed position; and an arm extending from the valve member in an axialdirection at the valve body to at least the mating surface of the valvebody, the arm also extending in an axial direction of the check valvepast the mating surface of the valve body when the valve member is inthe closed position but not past the mating surface of the valve bodywhen the valve member is in the open position.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may compriseadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. Thefeatures and advantages of such implementations may be realized andobtained by means of the systems, methods, features particularly pointedout in the appended claims. These and other features will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as setforth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the disclosureand together with the description, serve to explain various principlesof the disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may bedesignated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistencyand clarity.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a check valve in a fluid distributionsystem in accordance with one aspect of the current disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fluid distribution systemof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional perspective view of the check valve of FIG. 1 in aclosed position and taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a first end or top perspective view of the check valve of FIG.1 in the closed position.

FIG. 5 is a second end or bottom perspective view of the check valve ofFIG. 1 in the closed position.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the check valve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a sectional perspective view of the check valve of FIG. 1taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 in accordance with another aspect of thecurrent disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a first end or top perspective view of the check valve of FIG.7.

FIG. 9 is a second end or bottom perspective view of the check valve ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the check valve of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a sectional perspective view of the check valve of FIG. 1taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 in accordance with another aspect of thecurrent disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a first end or top perspective view of the check valve ofFIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a second end or bottom perspective view of the check valve ofFIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the check valve of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a sectional perspective view of the check valve of FIG. 1taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 in accordance with another aspect of thecurrent disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a first end or top perspective view of the check valve ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a second end or bottom perspective view of the check valve ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the check valve of FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the check valve of FIG. 1 in an openposition taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 4, which shows the check valvein a closed position.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the check valve of FIG. 19 in the closedposition.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the check valve of FIG. 1 in an open ordeployed position taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the check valve of FIG. 21 in a closedposition.

FIG. 23 is a first end or top perspective view of a check valve inaccordance with another aspect of the current disclosure, with returnsprings of the check valve removed for clarity.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of a check valve of FIG. 23 taken along line24-24 of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of a check valve of FIG. 23 taken along line25-25 of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of a hydrant assembled to the checkvalve of FIG. 23 in accordance with one aspect of the currentdisclosure.

FIG. 27 is a side elevation view of the hydrant of FIG. 26 after itsdislocation from the break check valve of FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andtheir previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in their best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspectsdescribed herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of thepresent disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desiredbenefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some ofthe features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features.Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that manymodifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible andcan even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of thepresent disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided asillustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not inlimitation thereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to a quantity of one of a particular element cancomprise two or more such elements unless the context indicatesotherwise. In addition, any of the elements described herein can be afirst such element, a second such element, and so forth (e.g., a firstwidget and a second widget, even if only a “widget” is referenced).

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect comprises from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about” or “substantially,” itwill be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. Itwill be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges aresignificant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently ofthe other endpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, andthat the description comprises instances where said event orcircumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also comprises any combination of members of that list. The phrase“at least one of A and B” as used herein means “only A, only B, or bothA and B”; while the phrase “one of A and B” means “A or B.”

To simplify the description of various elements disclosed herein, theconventions of “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,”“upper,” “lower,” “inside,” “outside,” “inboard,” “outboard,”“horizontal,” and/or “vertical” may be referenced. Unless statedotherwise, “front” describes that end of a check valve nearest to anoutlet of the valve, and “rear” is that end of the check valve that isopposite or distal the front. “Horizontal” or “horizontal orientation”describes that which is in a plane extending from left to right andaligned with the horizon. “Vertical” or “vertical orientation” describesthat which is in a plane that is angled at 90 degrees to the horizontal.

In one aspect, a check valve and associated methods, systems, devices,and various apparatuses are disclosed herein. In one aspect, the checkvalve can comprise a pivot pin or a position block or both.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective viewof a check valve 100 in a fluid or water distribution system 50, whichcan comprise and contain a fluid under pressure, such as water, inaccordance with one aspect of the current disclosure. The check valve100 can be positioned between a first pipe fitting 80 a and a secondpipe fitting 80 b, and the check valve 100 can be secured to each of thefirst pipe fitting 80 a and the second pipe fitting 80 b. The checkvalve 100 can be secured to each of the first pipe fitting 80 a and thesecond pipe fitting 80 b with fasteners 90, each of which can comprise,for example and without limitation, a bolt 92 (shown in FIG. 2) and anut 94 (shown in FIG. 2). Individually or in combination, the checkvalve 100 and the pipe fittings 80 a,b can define and be aligned along acentral axis 101. The check valve 100 can further define a flowdirection 70 and a backflow direction, which is opposite of the flowdirection 70. The check valve 100 can comprise a valve body 110. In someaspects, the structures disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/428,742, which was filed May 31, 2019, and is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety, can be incorporated into the check valve 100,and vice versa.

The pipe fittings 80 a,b can be any one of a variety of components ofthe system 50 such as, for example and without limitation, an extensionbarrel, a hydrant shoe, or, as shown, simply a pipe of some length ofpipe adequate to connect to another portion of the system 50. The pipefittings 80 a,b can comprise flanges 180 a,b, which can be mountingflanges and can define mounting holes 188 extending through the flanges180 a,b. The fasteners 90 can extend, for example and withoutlimitation, through the mounting holes 188. A seal (not shown) can bepositioned between each of the pipe fittings 80 a,b and the check valve100. In some aspects, the seal can comprise any elastomer or elastomericmaterial such as, for example and without limitation, Buna-N rubber(i.e., nitrile rubber or acrylonitrile butadiene rubber), ethylenepropylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, natural rubber, or silicone.

FIGS. 3-6 disclose the check valve 100 in accordance with one aspect ofthe current disclosure. FIG. 3 specifically is a sectional perspectiveview of the check valve 100 in a closed position. The valve body 110 cancomprise an annular body 310 and a cross member 320, which can extendfrom one side of the annular body 310 to another side of the annularbody 310 and can be recessed or offset from a first axial end 305 of thecheck valve 100, which can be a valve inlet in some aspects and a valveoutlet in other aspects. In some aspects, as shown, the cross member 320can be formed monolithically with the valve body 110. In other aspects,the cross member 320 can be formed separately from the valve body 110.The system 50 can define a positive flow direction 301 and a negativeflow direction 302, which can be a backflow or reverse flow direction.

The check valve 100 and, more specifically, the valve body 110 candefine a valve inner cavity 312 defining a valve bore 314, which canextend from the first axial end 305 to a second axial end 306 of thecheck valve 100, which can be a valve outlet in some aspects and a valveinlet in other aspects. As shown, the valve body 110 can extend unbrokenfrom the first axial end 305 to the second axial end 306 and can form ordefine a watertight structure between the first axial end 305 and thesecond axial end 306. More specifically, the valve body 110 can definerespective axial end openings 315,316 at only the first axial end 305and the second axial end 306. In some aspects not shown here but shownin the aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/428,742, apivot pin 340 of the check valve 100 can be inserted through holesdefined in one or more sides of the annular body 310 of the valve body110 and the hole(s) plugged. While this construction can be easier tomanufacture, a potential leak path (or even multiple leak paths) betweenthe valve inner cavity 312 and an exterior of the check valve 100 canresult. Even if a seal for such a leak path prevents leakage initially,failure of the seal can leak to leakage of the fluid of the fluiddistribution system therefrom. In some aspects, as shown, a length ofthe pivot pin 340 can be less than or equal to an inner diameter 570(shown in FIG. 5) of the valve bore 314 at an axial position of thepivot pin 340 relative to the central axis 101 of the check valve 100.In some aspects, as shown, an entirety of the pivot pin 340 can bepositioned within the valve bore 314. In other aspects, the length ofthe pivot pin 340 can be greater than or equal to the inner diameter 570and the pivot pin 340 can still not extend completely through theannular body 310 of the valve body 110 so as to require an opening in anexterior surface 311 of the annular body 310.

The check valve 100 can comprise one or more valve members 330 a,b. Thevalve member 330 or the valve members 330 can be positioned within thevalve body 110 and can be configured to rotate about the pivot pin 340from an open position of the valve member 330 to a closed position ofthe valve member 330, which can correspond to an open position and aclosed position, respectively, of the check valve 100. In some aspects,any of the valve members 330 can be configured to remain in the openposition of the valve member 330 and in the open position of the checkvalve 100 as long as a fluid in the fluid distribution system 50 ismoving in the positive flow direction 301 of the check valve 100, andthe valve member can be configured to close when the fluid is moving inthe negative flow direction 302 of the check valve 100 or when the fluidis not moving through the check valve 100 at all.

The check valve 100 can comprise a position block 350, which can besized and otherwise configured to receive the pivot pin 340. Theposition block 350 can more specifically position and secure the pivotpin 340 and can do so independently from any other portion of the valvebody 110. The position block 350 can define a pin bore or pivot bore 358defining a pivot axis 351 along which the pivot pin 340 can be installedand aligned. More specifically, as suggested above with respect to alength of the pivot pin 340, an entirety of the pivot pin 340 can bepositioned within the valve body 110 and extending through the pivotbore 358 of the position block 350. In some aspects, as shown, theposition block 350 can be secured to the valve body 110 with one or morefasteners 390 a,b. A biasing element 360 a,b can maintain a position ofeach of the corresponding valve members 330 a,b in the aforementionedopen position until flow of the fluid reverses and causes closure of thecheck valve 100. A position of a first end 361 a,b of either or both ofthe biasing elements 360 a,b can be fixed with respect to one of theposition block 350, the valve body 110, and any other stationary portionof the check valve 100. As shown, the position of the first end 361 a,bof both of the biasing elements 360 a,b can be fixed with respect to aseal 370 of the check valve 100 by extending through openings 678 a,b(shown in FIG. 6) in the seal 370.

The valve body 110 can be monolithic, i.e., it can be formed into awatertight structure from a single piece of material and can remain soformed. The check valve 100 can further comprise the seal 370, which canbe positioned between the valve body 110 and the valve member 330 in theclosed positions of the valve member 330 and the check valve 100. Insome aspects, as shown, an axial length 317 of a portion of the valvebody 110 extending between the flanges 180 a,b of the respective pipefittings 80 a,b can be greater than or equal to an overall height oroverall axial length 307 of the check valve 100. As shown, the checkvalve 100 can be wafer valve, which need not comprise its own mountingflanges but can instead be positioned, installed, and sandwiched betweenthe flanges 180 a,b of the respective pipe fittings 80 a,b. Morespecifically, an outer diameter of the valve body 110 can be larger aninner diameter of the corresponding pipe fitting 80 a,b and can therebybe contacted and captured by axial ends of the pipe fittings 80 a,b.

FIG. 4 is a first end or top perspective view of the check valve 100 inthe closed position showing the first axial end 305 defining a first endsurface 405. As shown, a portion of the valve inner cavity 312 and thevalve bore 314 can be on either side of the valve members 330 a. Morespecifically, first portions 412 a,414 a of the valve inner cavity 312and the valve bore 314, respectively, can be defined between the firstaxial end 305 and the valve members 330 a,b, respectively; and secondportions 412 b,414 b (shown in FIG. 5) of the valve inner cavity 312 andthe valve bore 314, respectively, can be defined between the secondaxial end 306 and the valve members 330 a,b, respectively.

FIG. 5 is a second end or bottom perspective view of the check valve 100in the closed position showing the second axial end 306. The biasingelements 360 a,b, either or both of which can be a torsion spring, candefine respective second ends 362 a,b. The biasing elements 360 a,b canbe pre-loaded upon installation, in which case the second ends 362 a,bcan push against the valve members 330 a,b to keep the valve members 330a,b biased towards or held in a particular position during normaloperation of the check valve 100. In some aspects, the valve members 330a,b can be biased towards or held in the open position. In otheraspects, the valve members 330 a,b can be biased towards or held in theclosed position. As shown, the biasing elements 360 a,b can encircle orsurround portions of and thereby be fixed in relative position withrespect to the position block 350.

Either or both of the first axial end 305 and the second axial end 306can define a phonographic finish or a concentric finish. As shown, fineridges 407,507 (407 shown in FIG. 4) separated by fine grooves 408,508(408 shown in FIG. 4) can be defined, respectively, in either or both ofthe first end surface 405 (shown in FIG. 4) defined by the first axialend 305 (shown in FIG. 4) and a second end surface 506 defined by thesecond axial end 306.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the check valve 100 withplates 630 a,b of the valve members 330 a,b oriented in an openposition. In one sense, the valve members 330 a,b can be collectivelydescribed as a single valve member. The pivot pin 340 can be receivedwithin the pivot bore 358, which again can define the pivot axis 351.Each of the pivot pin 340 and the valve members 330 a,b can be alignedand assembled along the pivot axis 351.

The position block 350 can comprise a base end or base portion 352proximate to the valve body 110 and, more specifically, the cross member320 in an assembled position of the position block 350. The positionblock 350 can comprise a distal end or distal portion 354, which cancomprise one or more trunnions 356. As shown, the distal portion 354 ofthe position block 350 can comprise a pair of opposing trunnions 356,and the position block 350 can define a T-shape when viewed from aposition angled with respect to the pivot axis 351. In some aspects, anoverall length of the distal portion 354 of the position block 350 canbe greater than a length of the base portion 352 of the position block350. The position block 350 can define fastener bores 690 a,b, which canbe sized to receive the fasteners 390 a,b. As shown, the fasteners 390a,b can define fastener shafts 392 a,b, which can be threaded, and cancomprise washers 394 a,b. The fasteners 390 a,b can extend throughfastener bores 328 a,b defined in the cross member 320.

The valve members 330 a,b can nest together and can define valve boreaxes 602 a,b, which can align along or with the pivot axis 351. Each ofthe valve members 330 a,b and, more specifically, the plates 630 a,b candefine a lug or a plurality of lugs 650 a,b, each of which can define apivot bore 658 defining the valve bore axes 602 a,b. In some aspects,the pivot bore 658 of each of the lugs 650 a,b can be smooth and each ofthe valve members 330 a,b can be configured to rotate about and withrespect to the pivot pin 340. In some aspects including the double discconfiguration shown, each of the valve members 330 a,b can comprise ahalf disc and can define a substantially semicircular shape.

In some aspects, the biasing elements 360 a,b can be aligned andassembled along the pivot axis 351 and can be assembled about the pivotpin 340 and the position block 350. As shown, the second ends 362 a,b ofthe biasing elements 360 a,b can be angled with respect to therespective first ends 361 a,b. Each of the biasing elements 360 a,b candefine one or more coils. As shown, each of the biasing elements 360 a,bcan comprise approximately 6 coils, which can be circular.

The seal 370, which can be a shim or spacer, can be positioned along thecentral axis 101 (shown in FIG. 3) of the check valve 100 below aninternal flange 308 and, additionally, between the internal flange 308of the valve body 110 and the valve members 330 a,b. The seal 370 candefine a first or upper surface 671 and a second or lower surface 672(shown in FIG. 14) opposite from the upper surface 671. The seal 370 candefine a thickness 673, an outer diameter, and an inner diameter. Theseal 370 can define openings 674 a,b, which can extend from the uppersurface 671 to the lower surface and can define the inner diameter ofthe seal 370. The inner diameter of the seal 370 can be substantiallyequal to at least an inner diameter of the valve body 110 proximate tothe internal flange 308, and the outer diameter of the seal 370 can besubstantially equal to at most an inner diameter of the valve body 110adjacent to the internal flange 308. The seal 370 can itself define across member 620. The seal 370 and, more specifically, the cross member620 can define an opening 688, which can be sized to receive at leastthe base portion 352 of the position block 350 and, at least in aspectsin which the position block 350 is already secured to or formed from thevalve body 110 can be sized to receive also the distal portion 354 ofthe position block 350.

The seal 370 can comprise a soft, elastic material that when contactedby the valve members 330 a,b will compress and thereby dampen anypressure spike in the system 50 upon closure of the check valve 100. Insome aspects, the seal 370 can comprise any elastomer or elastomericmaterial such as, for example and without limitation, Buna-N rubber,EPDM rubber, natural rubber, or silicone. In some aspects, the seal 370can comprise another compressible material. In various aspects, amaterial hardness of the seal 370 can measure less than 60 on the ShoreA scale. In various aspects, a material hardness of the seal 370 canmeasure within a range between 10 on the Shore A scale and 20 on theShore A scale. In various aspects, a material hardness of the seal 370can measure 10 on the Shore A scale or 20 on the Shore A scale. In someaspects, the seal 370 can define an overall thickness that is less thana thickness of the plates 630 a,b of the valve members 330 a,b. Invarious aspects, the seal 370 can be used in combination with anotherdampener (not shown).

FIGS. 7-10 disclose the check valve 100 in accordance with anotheraspect of the current disclosure. FIG. 7 specifically is a sectionalperspective view of the check valve 100 in a closed position. In someaspects, as shown, the axial length 317 of the valve body 110 can beshorter than the overall axial length 307 of the check valve 100. Theannular body 310, including in some aspects when the valve 100 is awafer valve as shown, can comprise a flange 710, which can fit betweenthe flanges 180 a,b of the respective pipe fittings 80 a,b. In someaspects, the flange 710 and, more generally, the valve body 110 candefine a step 720 defining a minimum thickness or minimum axial length317′ of the flange 710. The step 720, shown only as a cross-sectionalshape in FIG. 7, can vary from the shape shown and can extend around aperimeter of the annular body 310. Accordingly, an overall collectivediameter of the valve members 330 a,b can be less than an inner diameterof the pipe fittings 80 a,b and can be configured to fit within the pipefittings 80 a,b as shown. The check valve 100 can comprise a fastener790, which can secure a position of the pivot pin 340 relative to theposition block 350. In some aspects, as shown, the fastener 790 cansimply secure a position of the pivot pin 340 by maintained pressurizedcontact against an outer surface of the pivot pin 340 or can extend onlypartially through the pivot pin 340.

FIG. 8 is a first end or top perspective view, FIG. 9 is a second end orbottom perspective view, and FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view ofthe check valve 100. As shown in FIG. 9, the valve members 330 a,b candefine a chamfer or other edge treatment 930 at an inboard edgeproximate to the pivot pin 340. As shown in FIG. 10, the fastener 790can define a fastener shaft 792, which can be threaded, and can comprisea washer (not shown). The fastener 790 can extend through a fastenerbore 798 (shown in FIG. 14) defined in the position block 350. As alsoshown, the first end 361 a,b of either respective biasing element 360a,b can be bent towards a center of coil formed by the biasing element360 a,b and thereby can forming a locking turn of the first end 361 a,b,which can engage with the distal portion 354 of the position block 350.As shown, a total number of coils of the biasing element 360 a,b can bereduced as needed so that the locking turn formed by the first end 361a,b, which can be facing away from the central axis 101 (shown in FIG.3), encircles and engages with the position block 350.

FIGS. 11-14 disclose the check valve 100 in accordance with anotheraspect of the current disclosure. FIG. 11 specifically is a sectionalperspective view of the check valve 100 in a closed position. In someaspects, as shown, the position block 350 can be formed monolithicallywith the valve body 110. In other aspects, the position block 350 can besecured to the valve body 110 other than with the aforementionedfasteners 390 a,b (shown in FIG. 3). In some aspects, the position block350 can be secured to the valve body 110 with another fastener such asan adhesive or a weldment, such as at an intersection 1150 between theposition block 350 and the cross member 320. In some aspects, as shown,the fastener 790 can extend through the pivot pin 340.

FIG. 12 is a first end or top perspective view, FIG. 13 is a second endor bottom perspective view, and FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective viewof the check valve 100. As shown, the first end 361 a,b of eitherrespective biasing element 360 a,b can define a plurality of bends andthereby can forming multiple locking turns of the first end 361 a,b,which can together engage with the distal portion 354 of the positionblock 350. As shown, a total number of coils of the biasing element 360a,b can be reduced as needed so that the locking turn formed by thefirst end 361 a,b, which can be facing towards the central axis 101,encircles and engages with the position block 350.

FIGS. 15-18 disclose the check valve 100 in accordance with anotheraspect of the current disclosure. FIG. 15 specifically is a sectionalperspective view of the check valve 100 in a closed position. As shown,multiple pivot pins 340 a,b can be fixed with respect to the respectivevalve member 330 a,b. More specifically, the pivot pin 340 a can extendfrom the valve member 330 a and can be formed monolithically with thevalve member 330 a, and the pivot pin 340 b can extend from the valvemember 330 b and can be formed monolithically with the valve member 330b. The pivot pins 340 a,b can nonetheless be received by and captured inthe pivot bore 358 of the position block 350 and the valve members 330a,b thereby held in position with respect to the valve body 110.

FIG. 16 is a first end or top perspective view, FIG. 17 is a second endor bottom perspective view, and FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective viewof the check valve 100. As shown in FIG. 17, the valve body 110 candefine ridges 1756 a,b, which can extend from the valve inner cavity 312and the valve bore 314. In some aspects, the ridges 1756 a,b can fill aspace that would otherwise be defined between the valve members 330a,b—and specifically a side of the lugs 650 a,b, which can be planar—andthe valve inner surface 314 of the annular body 310, which can becurved. More specifically, either or both of the ridges 1756 a,b candefine a flat surface against which the lugs 650 a,b of the respectivevalve members 330 a,b can contact. In some aspects, the ridges 1756 a,bcan otherwise help maintain a position of the valve members 330 a,b. Theseal 370 can define notches 1856 a,b (shown in FIG. 18) to accommodateor receive the trunnions 356 a,b.

FIGS. 19-22 disclose the check valve 100 in accordance with one or moreof the above aspects of the current disclosure including the check valveshown in FIG. 3. FIG. 19 is specifically a sectional view of the checkvalve 100 showing the valve members 330 a,b in an open position A, andFIG. 20 is a sectional view of the check valve 100 in the closedposition B. As shown in FIG. 19, a second side 1934 a,b of each of thevalve members 330 a,b can be at least partially facing the direction offlow of fluid through the check valve 100 such that flow of the fluid inthe system 50 in the negative flow direction 302 will naturally rotatethe valve members 330 a,b towards the closed position from a positionthat biases the valve members 330 a,b slightly towards the closedposition instead of, for example, being aligned with a verticaldirection.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of the check valve 100 taken at 90 degreesto the sectional view of FIG. 19 showing the check valve 100 in an openposition, and FIG. 29 is a sectional view of the check valve 100 of FIG.21 in a closed position. The valve body 110 and the pivot pin 340 candefine a gap therebetween to facilitate free or unrestricted rotation ofthe valve members 330 a,b. Washers (not shown) can be installed on oneor more opposing ends of the pivot pin 340 to optionally facilitatecentering of the valve members 330 a,b inside the valve body 110 aboutthe central axis 101 and can be formed from an anti-friction oranti-corrosion material such as, for example and without limitation,acetal, nylon, or another polymer. In other aspects, each of the washerscan be formed from any desirable material including a metal or acomposite material.

FIGS. 23-27 disclose the check valve 100, which can be a break checkvalve, in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosurecomprising a pipe system termination fitting 2680 (shown in FIG. 26)such as, for example and without limitation, a hydrant. FIGS. 23-25specifically disclose the check valve 100 in a partially closed positionin which the valve member 330 b is open and the valve member 330 a isclosed. In some aspects, the fluid in the system 50 can be configured toflow, when it does flow, from the second axial end 306 to the firstaxial end 305 and thus the positive flow direction 301 can be oppositefrom the positive flow direction 301 shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 30 specifically is a first end or top perspective view of the checkvalve 100. As shown, the valve body 110 of the check valve 100 and, morespecifically, the first axial end 305, can define a mating surface 2307.The valve body 110 can define the valve inner cavity 312. Again, thevalve inner cavity 312 can define the valve bore 314, which can extendfrom the first axial end 305 to the second axial end 306; and, again,the valve body 110 can define the aforementioned watertight structure.As described above, the position block 350 can be secured to the valvebody 110 and can define the pivot bore 358, which can receive the pivotpin 340. When the pipe system termination fitting 2680 is open (such aswhen pumping water from the pipe system termination fitting 2680) orwhen the pipe system termination fitting 2680 is dislocated from thesystem 50, the fluid in the system 50 can be configured to flow in thenegative flow direction 302 from the second axial end 306 to the firstaxial end 305. As shown, the valve body 110 can define a top flange2320, which can receive and support the pipe system termination fitting2680, and a bottom flange 2330, which can be received and supported bythe pipe fitting 80 a (shown in FIG. 26).

As previously described, the valve members 330 a,b can be positionedwithin the valve body 110 and can be configured to rotate about thepivot pin 340 from the open position A (shown in FIG. 25) to the closedposition B (shown in FIG. 25). More specifically, the valve members 330a,b can be configured to remain in the open position A as long as asurface of the pipe system termination fitting 2680 remains in contactwith the mating surface 2307 of the valve body 110. The pipe systemtermination fitting 2680 can be a hydrant or any other above-ground pipefitting. The valve members 330 a,b can further be configured to closewhen the pipe system termination fitting 2680 is separated from themating surface 2307 of the valve body 110. More specifically, arms 2360a,b can extend from any one or more of the valve members 330 a,b and canbe configured to move and allow the valve members 330 a,b to move to theclosed position B when the pipe system termination fitting 2680 isseparated from the mating surface 2307 of the valve body 110.

The respective arms 2360 a,b of each of the valve members 330 a,b can beshaped to clear (i.e., not physically interfere or collide with) thecross member 120 whether the valve members 330 a,b—and the check valve100 overall—are in the open position A or in the closed position B orsomewhere in between. In some aspects, as shown, each of stop notches2310 a,b can define a bottom 2312 a,b (2312 b shown in FIG. 25) and aside wall 2314 a,b (2314 b shown in FIG. 25) and can be sized to receivea respective tip 2362 a,b of the respective arm 2360 a,b. In someaspects, the stop notches 2310 a,b and the mating surface 2307 are notrequired, and the pipe system termination fitting 2680 can still besufficiently secured to and supported by the check valve 100. The checkvalve 100 can incorporate any one or more of the aspects described abovesuch as, for example and without limitation, the valve body 110 beingmonolithic, the position block 350 being formed monolithically with thevalve body 110, and the valve members 330 a,b being accompanied by andbiased towards an open position or a closed position by the biasingelements 360 a, b.

The cross member 120 can define a hole 2318 extending through the crossmember 120 from a top surface to a bottom surface of the cross member120. As shown, the cross member 120 can define more than one of theholes 2318 such as holes 2318 a,b, a bore of each of which can be influid communication with each of an inner cavity of the pipe systemtermination fitting 2680 and the valve inner cavity 312 of the checkvalve 100. As shown, one or more of the holes 2318 a,b can define achamfer or other edge treatment at an entrance to the holes 2318 a,b.

The arms 2360 a,b can extend from the respective valve members 330 a,b,and the check valve 100 can be held in an open position such as the openposition A under a mounting flange of the pipe system terminationfitting 2680 and, optionally, within stop notches 2310 a,b of the valvebody 110. As shown, the arms 2360 a,b can be positioned entirely withinthe valve body 110 and not extend past the mating surface 2307 when thecheck valve 100 is in the open position A.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the check valve 100. As shown, theopenings 678 a,b of the seal 370 and the holes 2318 a,b can be in fluidcommunication with each of the inner cavity of the pipe systemtermination fitting 2680 and the inner cavity of a neighboring portionof the system 50 such as, for example and without limitation, the pipefitting 80 a. The holes 2318 a,b of the valve body 110 can be alignedwith the openings 678 a,b, respectively, so that together the opening678 a and the hole 2318 a and, likewise, the opening 678 b and the hole2318 b can facilitate such fluid communication. The openings 678 a,b canbe separate from the valve bore 314 and in fluid communication with aportion of the valve inner cavity 312 on either side of the valvemembers 330 a,b when in the closed position B (shown in FIG. 25).Likewise, the hole 2318 or the holes 2318 a,b can be separate from thevalve bore 314 and in fluid communication with a portion of the valveinner cavity 312 on either side of the valve members 330 a,b when in theclosed position B of the check valve 100.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of a check valve 100. In some aspects, theinternal flange 308 can either not be present or can be cut away wherethe arms 2360 a,b such that instead of the stop notches 2310 a,b thereis no part of the valve body 110 directly supporting or even contactingthe tips 2362 a,b of the respective arms 2360 a,b.

A height 2515 of the side wall 2314 a,b of each stop notch 2310 a,b anda distance 2517 from the bottom 2312 a,b of each stop notch 2310 a,b tothe mating surface 2307 of the valve body 110 can be at least athickness 2510 of the tip 2362 a,b of the arm 2360 a,b. In some aspects,as shown, a lateral position of the arms 2360 a,b can be aligned with alateral position of the holes 2318 a,b defined in the cross member 320.When the check valve 100 actuates and the valve members 330 a close, thefluid shooting or passing through the holes 2318 a,b and against thearms 2360 a,b can push on the arms 2360 a,b and particularly the tips2362 a,b of the respective arms 2360 a,b to resist closure of the valvemembers 330 a,b. This effect can be increased as the check valve 100closes and a speed of the fluid flow through the holes 2318 a,bincreases such that as the check valve 100 closes it decelerates.

The arm 2360 a—joined to the plate 630 a—is shown raised up and out ofthe stop notch 2310 a such as when no pipe system termination fitting2680 is in contact with the mating surface 2307 of the valve body 110.As the valve members 330 a,b of the check valve 100 move towards theclosed position B, sealing portions 2520 a,b of the respective plates630 a,b can approach and eventually seal against the lower surface 672of the seal 370 while the arms 2360 a,b can simultaneously wrap aroundthe cross member 320 of the valve body 110 and the cross member 620 ofthe seal 370. One or both of the arms 2360 a,b can extend in an axialdirection of the check valve 100 past the mating surface 2307 of thevalve body 110 when the corresponding valve member 330 a,b is in theclosed position (as shown by a position of the arm 2360 a with the valvemember 330 a in the closed position) but not past the mating surface2307 of the valve body 110 when the valve member 330 a,b is in the openposition (as shown by a position of the arm 2360 b with the valve member330 b in the open position).

As shown, the arms 2360 a,b can be formed separately from and befastened to the plates 630 a,b of the valve members 330 a,b. In someaspects, the arms 2360 a,b can be fastened to the plates 630 a,b bywelding or with weldments at a joint or seam between the arms 2360 a,band the plates 630 a,b. In other aspects, the arms 2360 a,b can befastened to the plates 630 a,b using another type of fastener such as,for example and without limitation, a screw or a pin or can slide orsnap into position inside the plates 630 a,b without the use of anyfasteners.

More specifically, in some aspects, the plates 630 a,b can definerespective recesses 2580 a,b, which can be sized to receive respectivebases 2564 a,b of the arms 2360 a,b. In some aspects, to clearneighboring parts such as the cross member 320 during operation of thecheck valve 100, either or both of the arms 2360 a,b can define an “S”shape when viewed from a side. Each of the arms 2360 a,b can be mountedin an orientation or in a plane that is orthogonal to the pivot axis351. Each of the plates 630 a,b can be biased towards the closedposition B. In some aspects, the sealing portions 2520 a,b can define agreater thickness than a thickness of a web 2530 a,b of each plate 6300a,b. The sealing portions 2520 a,b can be flat or substantially flat toadequately seal against a mating surface of the check valve 100 such as,for example and without limitation, the seal 370, which can also be flatas shown.

In some aspects a portion of either or both of the valve members 330 a,bor, more specifically, the plates 630 a,b can define a hole (not shown),which can be similar in purpose to the holes 2318 a,b of the crossmember 320 or the openings 678 a,b of the seal 370. Such a hole can bein fluid communication with each of the inner cavity of the pipe systemtermination fitting 2680 and the valve inner cavity 312 or can be influid communication with a portion of the valve inner cavity 312 oneither side of the valve members 330 a,b when each of the valve members330 a,b is in the closed position B.

FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of the pipe system termination fitting2680—shown as a fire hydrant—assembled to the check valve 100 inaccordance with one aspect of the current disclosure. FIG. 26specifically is a side view of the pipe system termination fitting 2680defining an axis 2601 of the pipe system termination fitting 2680 andassembled to the check valve 100 along the central axis 101 of the checkvalve 100. Each of the axis 2601 and the central axis 101 can be alongitudinal axis of the pipe system termination fitting 2680 and thecheck valve 100, respectively. The pipe system termination fitting 2680and the check valve 100 can form a portion of the system 50.

The pipe system termination fitting 2680 can be secured to the topflange 2320 (shown in FIG. 27) of the check valve 100 with a frangibleconnection such as, for example and without limitation, a traffic flange2690. The traffic flange 2690 can be secured to the pipe systemtermination fitting 2680 with fasteners (not shown) such as, forexample, through-bolts configured to extend through mounting holes (notshown) defined in each of the traffic flange 2690 and a mounting flange2685 of the pipe system termination fitting 2680. The check valve 100,and specifically the bottom flange 2330 thereof, can itself be securedto the mounting holes 188 (shown in FIG. 1) defined in the flange 180 aof the pipe fitting 80 a. The pipe system termination fitting 2680 canbe configured to couple to and be in fluid communication with these andother portions of the system 50.

Even while still at least partially assembled to the mounting flange2685 of the pipe system termination fitting 2680, the traffic flange2690 can be configured to fail before other components of the system 50and permit complete dislocation of the pipe system termination fitting2680 from the system 50 upon impact to the pipe system terminationfitting 2680 by an object such as a moving vehicle (in other words, whenthe pipe system termination fitting 2680 is run over and knocked off bythe vehicle). Because the traffic flange 2690 is frangible, the checkvalve 100 itself and other components of the system 50 need not befrangible themselves.

As shown, the pipe system termination fitting 2680 can be a wet barrelhydrant. In a wet barrel hydrant during its normal operation, a hydrantinner cavity (not shown) is filled with the fluid of the system50—again, typically water in the case of the pipe system terminationfitting 2680. Also in a wet barrel hydrant during its normal operation,the valve inner cavity 312 (shown in FIG. 3) is in fluid communicationwith both the inner cavity of the pipe system termination fitting 2680and the inner cavity of the pipe fitting 80 a, at least when the checkvalve 100 is open or unactuated.

FIG. 27 is a side elevation view of the pipe system termination fitting2680 after its dislocation from the check valve 100. Again, the checkvalve 100 can comprise the valve body 110 and valve members 330 a,330 band can be configured to move inside the valve body 110 of the checkvalve 100 about the pivot pin 340 (shown in FIG. 25). As shown, anentirety of the pivot pin 340 can be contained within the valve body 110and not extend through or require any openings in the exterior surface311. Again, as shown, the arms 2360 a,b (shown in FIG. 25) and, morespecifically, the tips 2362 a,b thereof can extend in an axial directionof the check valve 100 past the mating surface 2307 of the valve body110 when the corresponding valve member 330 a,b is in the closedposition.

Dislocation of the pipe system termination fitting 2680, which canresult from the aforementioned impact by a moving vehicle but can alsoresult from other circumstances, could cause significant water loss wereit not for immediate actuation or closure of the check valve 100.Without the check valve 100, this water loss is possible because thepipe system termination fitting 2680, at least when it is a wet barrelhydrant, is typically filled or pressurized with water. In some aspects,as shown, closure of the check valve 100 can be evident by rotation ofthe valve members 330 a,b inside the valve body 110 about the pivot pin340.

A method for using the system 50 or any portion thereof can compriseproviding the system 50 or any portion thereof as disclosed herein. Asshown in FIGS. 1-22, the method can comprise maintaining an openposition of the valve members 330 a,b as long as the fluid of the system50 flows in the positive flow direction 301 of the check valve 100. Themethod can further comprise automatically rotating the valve members 330a,b of the check valve 100 from an open position to a closed position ofthe check valve 100 when the fluid of the system 50 flows in thenegative flow direction 302 of the check valve 100. The method canfurther comprise the valve members 330 a,b during closure changing theirrespective positions or orientations with respect to the valve body 110of the check valve 100. As also shown, the method can comprise the valvemembers 330 a,b in the closed position of the check valve 100substantially stopping or completing stopping flow of the fluid from thesystem 50. By “substantially stopping flow,” including as shown withrespect to exemplary aspects shown in FIGS. 1-22, it is meant that allflow is stopped except for any incidental flow from valve due to minorgaps between the parts when the valve is closed and any purposefulbackflow of the fluid.

As shown in FIGS. 23-27, the method can comprise automatically rotatingthe valve members 330 a,b of the check valve 100 from an open positionto a closed position of the check valve 100 when the pipe systemtermination fitting 2680 is separated from the check valve 100. Again,the method can further comprise the valve members 330 a,b during closurechanging their respective positions or orientations with respect to thevalve body 110 of the check valve 100, and the method can furthercomprise the valve members 330 a,b in the closed position of the checkvalve 100 substantially stopping flow of the fluid from the system 50.By “substantially stopping flow,” including as shown with respect toexemplary aspects shown in FIGS. 23-27, it is meant that all flow isstopped except for any incidental flow from valve due to minor gapsbetween the parts when the valve is closed and any purposeful venting orstreaming of water as described below—such as to alert passersby of aproblem with the pipe system termination fitting 2680. In some aspects,leakage due to gaps and any purposeful venting of water as described canmeasure less than 5% of total flow.

The method can comprise expelling a limited stream of water from thecheck valve 100 through the hole(s) 2318 a,b defined in a one of thevalve body 110 and the valve members 330 a,b when the check valve 100 isin the closed position to indicate closure of the check valve 100 and aresulting need for attention and service by appropriate servicepersonnel. In some aspects, the method can comprise expelling a streamof water from the check valve 100 and through the cross member 320 orthe valve members 330 a,b of the check valve 100. For example, thestream of water could be a focused jet extending high enough into theair (a minimum of five feet, in some aspects, to reach above a top of aparked vehicle) for one to notice it. In some aspects, the method cancomprise expelling the stream of water from the check valve 100 andthrough a gap defined between the cross member 320 or the valve members330 a,b and the valve body 110 of the check valve 100. By expellingwater from the check valve 100 when the check valve 100 is closed, thevalve can, as noted above, effectively and clearly indicate to passersbythat something may be amiss with the pipe system termination fitting2680 and specifically that the pipe system termination fitting 2680 maybe dislocated from its usual position, giving them and any nearby publicsafety personnel the ability to notify responsible parties that the pipesystem termination fitting 2680 requires attention.

In some aspects, as described above, rotating the valve members 330 a,bof the check valve 100 can comprise rotating a single valve disc such asthe plate 450 about the pivot pin 240 of the check valve 100 from theopen position A to the closed position B. In any case, the valve members330 a,b can extend substantially in all directions across the valve bore314 defined in the valve body 110 when the check valve 100 is in theclosed position B. In other aspects, rotating the valve members 330 a,bof the check valve 100 can comprise rotating a pair of valve discs orplates 630 a,b about the pivot pin 340 of the check valve 100 from theopen position A to the closed position B.

In some aspects, rotating the valve members 330 a,b of the check valve100 can comprise expelling a hold-open bar (not shown) from the checkvalve 100 and thereby allowing rotation of the valve members 330 a,bwithin the valve body 110 from the open position A to the closedposition B. Furthermore, rotating the valve members 330 a,b of the checkvalve 100 can comprise slowing the speed of the valve members 330 a,bproximate to the closed position B. In some aspects, slowing the speedof the valve member 250 can comprise contacting the valve members 330a,b with a biasing member (not shown) or a fluid-filled piston.

The method can comprise installing the pipe system termination fitting2680 at any angular position about the central axis 101 and/or the axis201 with respect to an angular position of the check valve 100 withoutaffecting the ability of the check valve 100 to remain closed when thepipe system termination fitting 2680 is coupled to the check valve 100and open when the pipe system termination fitting 2680 is separated fromthe check valve 100. This rotation of the pipe system terminationfitting 2680 to a desirable angular position based on the availabilityof multiple angular positions is called “clocking” of the pipe systemtermination fitting 2680. The method can comprise re-using the checkvalve 100 as-is after actuation of the check valve 100 and aftercoupling a replacement pipe system termination fitting 2680 to the checkvalve 100.

In some aspects, the check valve 100 and various components thereof canbe formed from or comprise an iron (including cast iron and ductileiron), bronze, or steel material including stainless steel or even aplastic (e.g., polymeric) or composite material, which can be reinforcedwith fibers. In other aspects, any suitable materials can be used.

As shown, the check valve 100 can be easily replaced by a new checkvalve 100, or the check valve 100 can replace an older style valve or beinstalled where no break check valve is currently installed. The checkvalve 100 can also be reset without replacement or modification uponreinstallation of the pipe system termination fitting 2680 by returningthe components of the check valve 100 to their respective originalpositions. Significant weight and cost savings can be achieved with avalve such as the check valve 100 disclosed herein. Including withrespect to the aspects shown in FIGS. 23-27, one older style break checkvalve, for example, can weigh up to 200 pounds or more and require thatan installation height, which can be equal to the overall axial length307 (shown, e.g., in FIG. 3) from end to end in the axial direction beapproximately two feet or more. In contrast, in some aspects, the checkvalve 100 disclosed herein can weigh as little as approximately 40pounds and the installation height and the overall axial length 307 canboth measure as little as two inches. In some aspects, the axial length317 (shown in FIG. 7) or the minimum axial length 317′ (shown in FIG. 7)of a portion of the valve 100 such as the flange 710 or even the entirevalve 100 in the closed position can measure less than two inches. Insome aspects, the axial length 317 or the minimum axial length 317′ of aportion of the valve 100 can measure one inch or less. In some aspects,the axial length 317 or the minimum axial length 317′ of a portion ofthe valve 100 can measure ⅛ inch or less.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily comprise logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

It should be emphasized that the above-described aspects are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which comprise oneor more executable instructions for implementing specific logicalfunctions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations areincluded in which functions may not be included or executed at all, maybe executed out of order from that shown or discussed, includingsubstantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on thefunctionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonablyskilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations andmodifications may be made to the above-described aspect(s) withoutdeparting substantially from the spirit and principles of the presentdisclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended tocover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements,features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications andvariations are intended to be included herein within the scope of thepresent disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects orcombinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by thepresent disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A check valve for a fluid distributionsystem, the check valve comprising: a valve body defining a valve innercavity, the valve inner cavity defining a valve bore extending from afirst axial end to a second axial end, the valve bore defining acylindrical shape, the cylindrical shape defining a central axis of thevalve body, the central axis extending from the first axial end to thesecond axial end, the valve body comprising an annular body and a fixedcross member secured to and extending in a radial direction relative tothe central axis of the valve body across the valve bore from theannular body on one side of the valve body to the annular body on anopposite side of the valve body, the valve bore at the cross memberdivided into more than one portion by the cross member; a position blocksecured to the cross member of the valve body, extending from the crossmember, and defining a pivot bore; a pivot pin positioned within thevalve body and extending through the pivot bore of the position block,the pivot pin positioned entirely within the cylindrical shape of thevalve bore; and a valve member positioned within the valve body andconfigured to rotate about the pivot pin to a closed position when apipe system termination fitting attached to the valve body is dislocatedfrom the valve body or when the fluid moves in a negative flow directionof the check valve.
 2. The check valve of claim 1, wherein the valvebody is monolithic.
 3. The check valve of claim 2, wherein the positionblock is formed monolithically with the valve body.
 4. The check valveof claim 1, further comprising a fastener securing a position of thepivot pin relative to the position block.
 5. The check valve of claim 1,wherein a length of the pivot pin is less than or equal to an innerdiameter of the valve bore at a position of the pivot pin.
 6. The checkvalve of claim 1, further comprising a seal positioned between the valvebody and the valve member in the closed position of the valve.
 7. Thecheck valve of claim 1, wherein the pivot pin is fixed with respect tothe valve member.
 8. The check valve of claim 1, wherein the valvemember is held in one of the open position and the closed position by abiasing element when fluid is not flowing through the check valve. 9.The check valve of claim 8, wherein the biasing element is a torsionspring.
 10. The check valve of claim 9, wherein a position of one end ofthe torsion spring is fixed with respect to one of the position blockand the valve body.
 11. The check valve of claim 1, wherein an axiallength of the valve body is shorter than an overall axial length of thecheck valve.
 12. The check valve of claim 1, wherein the pivot pinextends continuously through the pivot bore of the position block. 13.The check valve of claim 1, wherein an overall length of a distalportion of the position block in a direction parallel to an orientationof the pivot bore of the position block is greater than a length of abase portion of the position block in the same direction.
 14. The checkvalve of claim 1, wherein an axial length of a radially outermostportion of the valve body measures ⅛ inch or less.
 15. A check valvecomprising: a valve body defining a mating surface and a valve innercavity, the mating surface facing in an axial direction of the valvebody and configured to receive a pipe system termination fitting, thevalve inner cavity defining a valve bore extending from a first axialend to a second axial end, the valve bore defining a cylindrical shape,the cylindrical shape defining a central axis of the valve body, thecentral axis extending from the first axial end to the second axial end;a position block secured to the valve body and defining a pivot bore; apivot pin positioned within the valve body and extending through thepivot bore of the position block, the pivot pin positioned entirelywithin the cylindrical shape of the valve bore; a valve memberpositioned within the valve body and configured to rotate about thepivot pin between an open position and a closed position; and an armextending from the valve member in an axial direction at the valve bodyto at least the mating surface of the valve body, the arm also extendingin an axial direction of the check valve past the mating surface of thevalve body when the valve member is in the closed position but not pastthe mating surface of the valve body when the valve member is in theopen position.
 16. The check valve of claim 15, wherein the valve bodyis monolithic.
 17. The check valve of claim 16, wherein the positionblock is formed monolithically with the valve body.
 18. The check valveof claim 15, further comprising a fastener securing a position of thepivot pin relative to the position block.
 19. The check valve of claim15, wherein the valve member is held in one of the open position and theclosed position by a biasing element when fluid is not flowing throughthe check valve, the biasing element being a torsion spring.
 20. Thecheck valve of claim 15, wherein the arm rests within a notch defined inthe valve body when the valve is in the open position.
 21. The checkvalve of claim 15, wherein an overall length of a distal portion of theposition block in a direction parallel to an orientation of the pivotbore of the position block is greater than a length of a base portion ofthe position block in the same direction.
 22. The check valve of claim15, wherein a length of the pivot pin is less than or equal to an innerdiameter of the valve bore at a position of the pivot pin.